Last Chance

23.

"We're almost there. So." said Josh. Sleepily, Zoey opened her eyes. 'I'm so tired.' she muttered. 'You can almost go to bed. Five more minutes.' Josh replied. 'Hmm. Sleepily Zoey looked out the window. In the car in front of her were Colin and Sam.

After Josh and Zoey got to the car, they headed straight for home. They hadn't seen Simone again and they were very happy about that. Sam had gotten into Colin's car. She felt a little guilty that Colin had come all the way for her, so she decided to ride back with him.

"Josh?" started Zoey. 'Yes?' Josh replied. 'Will you please tell no one? About what happened." Zoey bit her lip. "Well, I have to tell Ginny this." Josh began cautiously. 'Why?' asked Zoey. 'Because it's my wife and she also needs to know what happened. You really can't do what Simone did to you and Ginny and I would love to help you with everything, but then Ginnifer must know what happened.'

'You can't help me. It has already happened.' said Zoey softly. Josh thought for a moment. "You know, we'll talk more about it tomorrow. Let's go to sleep first.' said Josh. Zoey nodded slowly. 'Good.'

They arrived home and Josh parked the car in the driveway. Colin had parked his car in the driveway and Sam got out. Josh and Zoey also got out of the car and they waved one more time at Colin as he drove off towards his house.

Then the three of them walked to the front door and Josh opened the door. 'Come on ladies, go to bed. It was a long day.' said Josh. 'Sleep well.' Zoey smiled weakly and continued upstairs. 'Sleep well Zo.' said Josh. 'Yes, sleep well.' Sam wished her sister to her. Zoey walked away upstairs, leaving Sam and Josh alone.

"Josh..." Sam was about to say something but Josh interrupted her. "I don't want to hear it now, Sam. We'll talk later. Go to bed quickly.' said Josh. "But Josh..." Sam wanted to apologize, but Josh didn't want to hear about it right now. 'Sam, go to bed. We'll talk this afternoon. It's half past five in the morning.' Josh raised his voice. 'Okay sleep tight.'

Sam packed her suitcase and she walked away to her room. Josh watched the girl in silence. It had been a long day for him and he was devastated. Josh went upstairs and opened his and Ginnifer's bedroom. Ginnifer was asleep. Softly Josh closed the door behind him and lay down in bed.

"Hey, you're home." Sleepily, Ginnifer opened her eyes and turned on the nightlight. 'Yes finally.' Josh yawned. 'What time is it?' asked Ginnifer. "Half past six or so." Josh replied. 'That was a long night. Are the girls safe at home too?' asked Ginnifer. Josh nodded. 'Fortunately, but is it okay if I tell you about all that happened later? I'm quite tired.' said Josh. Ginnifer smiled. 'Sure honey. Just go to sleep.' She gave Josh a kiss and then turned off the nightlight.

*

'Good morning.' Zoey walked into the living room. It was now half past two in the afternoon and Zoey had slept soundly after last night's adventure. Ginnifer sat in the living room. 'Good morning honey. How is it going?' She looked at Zoey questioningly. "I'm fine." Zoey replied shyly. "Josh told me everything. Also about hitting..." Ginnifer began. Zoey was shocked.

'Can I have a look at your cheek? Josh said Simone hit you pretty hard." Ginnifer rose from the couch. "Where is Josh anyway?" asked Zoey. 'Just to the store with Ollie and Hugo. They'll be home soon.' Ginnifer replied. "And Sam?" Zoey looked questioningly at Ginnifer. 'On bed. She hasn't come out of her room today.'

"Ginny?" Zoey looked uncertainly at Ginnifer. 'Yes what is it?' asked Ginnifer. "Would you please tell no one about the abuse? Not even to Sam.' Zoey looked at the woman pleadingly. "Promise, but if you don't want Sam to know, you'll have to do something about your cheek. Your cheek is a little blue.' Ginnifer pointed to Zoey's left cheek. Startled, Zoey felt over her left cheek. 'Come with me. I've got something for it.' Ginnifer walked upstairs and Zoey followed behind.

Ginnifer opened the bathroom door and she walked in. Zoey followed her. Ginnifer took some makeup from the cupboards. 'May I?' she asked Zoey. Zoey nodded. Ginnifer grabbed some makeup and began to work the bruise on Zoey's cheek so it wasn't visible.

"Look, you can't see it anymore." After five minutes, Ginnifer put her makeup stuff back in the closet. Zoey looked in the mirror. Ginnifer did indeed get rid of the bruise and there was nothing left of it. "Thank you Ginny." Smiled Zoey. 'You're welcome dear.'